He was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in St. Andrew, Jamaica and grew up in Kingston, where he attended the Alpha Boys' School. After his mother took ill and died, his father moved him to St. Mary's, and then to St. Thomas, where he apprenticed as a tailor before returning to Kingston and taking a job as a welder, singing around his workplace while his co-workers encouraged him. In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle). Neither were impressed by his talents, and the young man moved on to Leslie Kong's Beverley record label, where he auditioned before Derrick Morgan, then the label's biggest star.
With Morgan's support, Dekker was signed but did not record until 1963 because Leslie Kong wanted to wait for the perfect song, which "Honour Your Father and Mother" was felt to be.
“Honour Your Father and Mother” was a hit and was followed by “Sinners Come Home” and “Labour for Learning,” as well as a name change (from Desmond Dacres to Desmond Dekker). His fourth hit, however, made him into one of the island's biggest stars. It was “King of Ska,” a rowdy and jubilant song on which Dekker was backed by The Cherrypies (also known as The Maytals). The song remains well known among ska fans. Dekker then recruited four brothers, Carl, Patrick, Clive and Barry Howard, who became his backing band, The Four Aces.
Dekker and the Howards recorded a number of hits including “Parents,” “Get Up Edina,” “This Woman,” and “Mount Zion.” Until 1967 Dekker's songs were polite and conveyed respectable, mainstream messages. In that year, however, he appeared on Derrick Morgan's “Tougher Than Tough,” which helped begin a trend of popular songs glamourizing the violent rude boy culture. Dekker's own songs did not go to the extremes of many other popular tunes though he did introduce lyrics which resonated with the rude boys starting with one of his best-known songs, “007 (Shanty Town)”. The song established Dekker as a rude boy icon and also became an established hero in the United Kingdom's mod scene. “007 (Shanty Town)” was a Top 15 hit in the UK, and he toured that country with a posse of mods following him.
Dekker continued with songs in the same vein such as “Rude Boy Train” and “Rudie Got Soul”, as well as continuing with his previous themes of religion and morality in songs like “It's a Shame”, “Wise Man”, “Hey Grandma”, “Unity”, “It Pays”, “Mother's Young Girl” and “Sabotage.” His “Pretty Africa” is a long-standing favourite among his fans and may be the earliest popular song promoting repatriation. Many of the hits from this era came from his debut album, 007 (Shanty Town).
In 1968 Dekker's “Israelites” was released, appearing on both the U.S. and UK singles chart, and eventually topping the latter and peaking in the Top Ten of the former. He was the first Jamaican performer to enter U.S. markets with pure Jamaican music, though he never repeated the feat. Equally, the track became the first reggae song to top the UK chart. That same year saw the release of “Beautiful and Dangerous,” “Writing on the Wall,” “Music Like Dirt”, “Bongo Girl,” and “Shing a Ling.” In the same year, Dekker was mentioned as "Desmond" by his friend Paul McCartney in The Beatles' song "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da", when it was released on 'The White Album'.
1969 saw the release of “It Mek,” which first saw only lukewarm success but was re-recorded and became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. He also released “Problems” and “Pickney Gal,” both of which were popular in Jamaica but saw only limited success elsewhere.
Mid career (the 1970s)
In the 1970s Dekker spent most of his time touring and moved to the UK, where he continued to record. Among his best known releases of this period was “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” written by Jimmy Cliff, which Dekker had not wanted to record but was convinced to do so by Leslie Kong. Dekker's recording of the song uses the same instrumental backing track as Cliff's original.
Kong, whose production had been an instrumental part of both Dekker's and Cliff's careers, died in 1971 and both his protegés lost direction for a period before returning to music.
Dekker continued recording, but with only limited success until he began working with the production duo Bruce Anthony in 1974. His first hit with the pair was 1975's “Sing a Little Song” which climbed in to the British Top Ten. Dekker was unable to follow its success, however, and did not chart in the UK for some time (except for the Top Ten re-charting of “Israelites” in 1975). Dekker also found only a limited audience in Jamaica.
At the end of the 1970s Dekker signed with Stiff Records, a punk label linked with the Two-Tone movement, a fusion of punk and ska. He recorded an album called Black & Dekker which featured his previous hits backed by The Rumour, Graham Parker's backing band. His first single was “Israelites,” a Top Ten Belgian hit, and was followed by “Please Don't Bend,” Jimmy Cliff's “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Book of Rules.” His next album was Compass Point, produced by Robert Palmer. Though Compass Point did not sell well, Dekker was still a popular live performer and he toured with The Rumour.
Later life
In the early 1980s, as the Two Tone movement died out, he saw his fortunes dwindle and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. Only a single live album was released in the late 80s, but a new version of “Israelites” reawakened public interest in 1990, following its use in a Maxell advertisement. He re-recorded some old singles, and worked with The Specials for 1992's King of Kings', which used hits from Dekker's musical heroes, including Derrick Morgan.
He also collaborated on a remix version of his classic “Israelites” with reggae artist Apache Indian.
Death
Desmond Dekker died of a heart attack on 25 May 2006, at his home in Thornton Heath in the London Borough of Croydon , England, aged 64. He was preparing to headline a world music festival in Prague. Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter.
Intensified '68
Desmond Dekker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're having a party I hope you are hearty
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensify
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Music like dirt for your money's worth (yeah)
Music like dirt for your money's worth
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (intensify)
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp
Girls like sand to match every man (yeah)
Girls like sand to match every man
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (intensify)
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp
(Oh, girls can't hide from intensified guys)
Music that stays on for extra days
Girls like sand to match every man (yeah)
Girls like sand to match every man
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensify
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp
Intensified boys with thoughts full of joy (yeah)
Intensified girls with their fancy clothes
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (intensify)
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (intensify)
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (it's the day)
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp ding day
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp, yeah
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp
The lyrics of Desmond Dekker & The Aces's song Intensified Festival 68 are about a party that is in full swing. The song is upbeat, with a catchy rhythm, and the lyrics encourage people to join in the celebration. The first verse invites the listeners to the party, with the hope that they are hearty enough to keep up with the energy. The chorus follows, urging the audience to intensify the music by singing along with the rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey refrain. The second verse talks about the music being like dirt, something that can be enjoyed without being expensive. The chorus follows again, this time encouraging girls to join in and intensify the experience for everyone. The third verse represents the boys and girls at the party, who are joyful and elegant. The song ends with a repetition of the rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey chorus, with a final ding day.
Overall, the song is a celebration of life. It encourages people to enjoy themselves and have fun, regardless of their circumstances. The lyrics convey a sense of inclusivity, with everyone invited to join in the festivities. The use of the word "intensify" represents the need to maximize the enjoyment of the moment by engaging fully with the music and everyone around.
Line by Line Meaning
We're having a party I hope you are hearty (yeah)
We are celebrating and enjoying ourselves, and we hope that you are in high spirits as well
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
This is a catchy and energetic rhythm that we want you to join in singing
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensify
Let's intensify the rhythm and energy of the music even more
Music like dirt for your money's worth (yeah)
We are playing music that is affordable and of good value for the price paid, and we hope you appreciate it
Girls like sand to match every man (yeah)
There are plenty of women here who cater to the taste of every man, and we hope everyone finds a match
(Oh, girls can't hide from intensified guys)
Some guys may be especially enthusiastic and passionate about dancing and partying, and the girls cannot escape their fervor
Music that stays on for extra days
The music will continue to echo in our minds and hearts for many days beyond this celebration
Intensified boys with thoughts full of joy (yeah)
The boys at this party are full of joy and excitement, and they are ready to intensify the energy even more
Intensified girls with their fancy clothes
The girls at this party are dressed up in their best and are ready to intensify the rhythm and fun
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp (it's the day)
Let's keep up the energetic rhythm and celebrate this special day
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp ding day
The celebratory rhythm and energy continues, and it is a day to remember
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp, yeah
Let's keep up the great energy and enthusiasm, yeah!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lorenzo_firinu
We're having a party I hope you are hearty
We're having a party I hope you are hearty
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp ballooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensified
Music like dirt for your money's worth
Music like dirt for your money's worth
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensified
Girls like sand to match every man
Girls like sand to match every man
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensify
Oh, girls can't hide from intensified guys
Music that stays on for extra days
Intensified boys with thoughts full of joy
Intensified girls with their fancy clothes
Sing it to me children
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp bomp balooey
Rom bomp a loo bomp bomp intensify
@mr_two_tone9592
the king of ska
@TheIzzyrich
This song just cross my mind and I had to find it lol. 2020 on deck! Intensified!
@shanekahappy2731
Same here 2021!!!!
@pasta8709
Damn, the opening is awesome.
@ricokariuki3655
still intensified. 2020
@dianazaragoza2956
My favorite song, ever!!! 🎶
@michaelmaragh3919
The makers of Tide powder detergent ran ads night and day on RJR and JBC radio for their new INTENSIFIED Tide.... That adjective caught on islandwide, and we applied it everywhere...
@Obeseologist
awesome tune, thanks for the upload man! girls like sand, to match every man
@taboo7tatoo257
Before Bob Marley, there was this reggae artist called Desmond Dekker already famous. This shows how great this man was in the Reggae Business. RIP
@whittenoval
taboo7tatoo Ska/Rocksteady. Reggae came later.